Fernando Velasco has big hops, hopes

Fernando Velasco stands 6-4, and he’s played plenty of basketball in his day.

But can the Titans really center dunk a basketball? At 308 pounds?

Some of his teammates say “no”, but Velasco confidently says “yes.”

“I’ve had a lot of guys betting against me,’’ Velasco said. “We may have to get in the gym after the season and check it out, so I can move all my haters to the side.”

Prior to the start of Sunday night’s practice, Velasco jumped up and touched the crossbar – which is 10 feet off the ground, like a basketball rim – with ease.

“I was in full pads, so dunking a basketball is no problem for me,’’ Velasco said. “It’s nothing fancy, just a simple, basic, one-handed dunk – that’s all I’ve got. But I can dunk it.”

Velasco, who is trying to keep the starting spot he held last year, entered training in great shape, he said. During the offseason he did some hot yoga, and hot boxing, while also working in the team’s offseason program.

Veteran Rob Turner and Velasco have taken turns working with the first group at center and guard. Rookie Brian Schwenke is expected to be in the mix as well when he returns from a hamstring injury. As a restricted free agent, Velasco signed a one-year deal with the team earlier this offseason.

“I feel good,’’ Velasco said. “I know it is a big year for me, so I headed in feeling good and ready to go.”

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